The Williams- Grand Canyon News recently announced that the Willams Alliance received a five year, $55,000 grant to combat underage drug and alcohol use in Williams and Flagstaff. The grant is from the state of Arizona through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. According to Stephen Riggs, development director for the Guidance Center, “One of the primary activities at the Guidance Center is dealing with substance abuse.” This grant will now give organizations with the Alliance an opportunity to offer preventative programs instead of reactive measures in the Williams-Flagstaff areas.

The Williams Recreation Center currently offers open gym for eighth grade students and younger on Thursday nights. These programs average 45 kids each week. The Williams Alliance proposed organizing activities targeting middle school aged groups, which need intervention the most.